Jaiyana Chelikha: Moroccan–English street & documentary photographer exploring identity, belonging & cultural memory | 54Ruum Spotlight

Jaiyana Chelikha is a Moroccan–English photographer whose work explores identity, belonging, and human connection within Moroccan culture. 

She captures intimate gestures, fleeting moments, and lived experiences that reflect both personal and cultural narratives; her work cuts across street, portrait, and documentary photography.

Her introspective and cinematic approach translates raw emotion into imagery, inviting viewers to share the lived experience of the moment. Jaiyana blends tradition with contemporary life, creating powerful images that highlight the quiet and meaningful moments within everyday street rhythms.

How would you describe yourself in a few sentences?

I love memories and the feeling of nostalgia, always holding onto the little details that make moments stick. I am curious and reflective, and I notice things others might miss.

Strange fact: I can recall oddly specific details from my early childhood that even my mum has forgotten ever happened.

How did you first become interested in photography?

I have always been curious. As a child, I photographed anything I thought looked interesting, first with my mum’s point-and-shoot camera and later with my first phone at the age of 11.

At 14, I had the chance to study photography at school and received my first DSLR, which truly ignited my curiosity through the lens. Since then, I have photographed anything and everything, experimenting as I explore my photographic identity.

What type(s) of photography do you specialise in, and why did you choose this niche? How has your style evolved?

I specialise in street, portrait, and documentary photography. I love capturing people, moments, and stories that explore identity, culture, and human connection. 

Over time, my work has evolved to include more conceptually driven projects that convey a message, addressing themes of belonging, diaspora, and our experiences of the world.

My style has evolved into a more cinematic and introspective one, guided by intuition and the emotions I experience while photographing. Whether I am capturing a fleeting gesture, a quiet expression, or building a narrative through a project, I create images that encourage viewers to feel and reflect on the stories behind them.

Can you share the underlying themes or ideas that drive your photography? How do you use your images to connect with others?

My photography is driven by themes of identity, belonging, and human connection. I explore how people navigate culture, heritage, and personal experience, often through everyday moments or conceptually driven projects. 

Due to my mixed Moroccan and English heritage, I produce images that feel authentic and layered. I connect with others by inviting viewers to step into the moment, experience the emotions, and reflect on their own sense of identity and belonging.

What's the one achievement or moment in your photography career that you're most proud of?

One moment I am most proud of is having my portrait, “Jounaid, Go Back to Where?” featured in the National Portrait Gallery’s Photo Portrait Now and chosen for the cover of the incoming iJADE edition.

Seeing my work recognised on such platforms was incredibly validating and reinforced my belief in photography’s power to explore identity, belonging, and cultural narratives.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer, and how did you overcome it? What did you learn from that experience?

One notable challenge I face is creative block, especially regarding my academic projects. I can be very self-critical and overthink my work, which sometimes makes it difficult to know where to begin or whether an idea is strong enough.

Over time, I have learnt to embrace the process, give myself space to experiment, and trust that exploration often leads to unexpected and meaningful results.

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?

I would love to collaborate with Hassan Hajjaj. He was one of the first Moroccan photographers I learnt about, and I have always been inspired by how he celebrates culture and gives it a vibrant platform, turning identity into something joyful, bold, and unforgettable. Growing up in the UK with Moroccan heritage, his work resonates deeply with me.

Although my style is different, the chance to collaborate with him would be incredible. I will have the opportunity to push my storytelling and create something that honours our shared heritage in a meaningful and playful way.

What are your thoughts on the 54Ruum platform?

I love what 54Ruum is doing. They celebrate African creativity and give artists a platform that is both bold and meaningful, which is especially important given the lasting effects of colonialism that have often tried to silence or erase African voices. 

Their work not only showcases talent but also builds community, sparks dialogue, and provides visibility for perspectives that are too often overlooked. Seeing them uplift African creatives in such an intentional and inspiring way motivates me to continue telling my stories through photography, reflecting on culture, identity, and heritage.

How's the photography and art space in your country? How has it evolved in recent years?

Morocco’s photography and art scene has grown significantly in recent years and is becoming more recognised internationally. 

Institutions such as MACAAL in Marrakech and the National Photography Museum in Rabat have helped showcase both historical and contemporary work, while events like the 1-54 Art Fair bring global attention to Moroccan and African artists.

Many creatives are exploring identity, heritage, and the lasting effects of colonialism, using their work to reclaim narratives and celebrate culture in bold and meaningful ways.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their photography journey, what would it be?

Photography is not made to impress others. It is made to help you discover yourself, to see the world through your own eyes, and to show it honestly.